Monday, February 10, 2014

[arnnet] IBM signs cybersecurity research deal with Australian Federal Government

IBM has inked a deal with the Australian Defence Science and Technology Organisation to collaborate on cybersecurity, analytics and cognitive computing.

The research agreement was signed today in Canberra by the Chief Defence Scientist, Dr Alex Zelinsky, and Mr Glenn Wightwick, Director, IBM Research, Australia.

Dr Alex Zelinsky said the alliance was an opportunity to strengthen the ADF’s capabilities in cyber security.

“Both organisations have deep expertise in these areas and it is a natural fit that we work together in what are some very promising defence related areas of research,” Zelinsky said.

IBM research director, Glenn Wightwick, said IBM welcomed the chance to contribute to defence capability in emerging technologies.

“IBM has a long history of driving innovation – from the invention of the barcode, to the creation of cognitive computing systems that learn and interact naturally with people to extend what either humans or machine could do on their own,” he said.

“Our researchers push the boundaries of science and technology to make the world work better.

“IBM has a strong relationship with the Australian Defence Force and we are pleased to be able to collaborate with the DSTO on this important work.”

The assistant minister for defence, Stuart Robert, said it operated in a complex and challenging technology environment and had to pursue collaborative opportunities with organisations such as IBM Australia to meet the country's national security needs.

“The Government encourages such strategic collaborations to ensure defence technology remains at the cutting edge,” he said.